My favorite season is summer, but you wouldn't necessarily know that by looking at me. Almost my entire wardrobe is black and I'm pretty pale, which is usually the hallmark of people who prefer things a little cooler. In truth, I used to be one of those people, but half a decade of New York winters has given me an appreciation of warm weather I didn't have during my quarter century of brutal Atlanta summers. I still have my lifelong preference for black clothing, though, so I have to pick and choose my summer shopping list carefully.

Summer black is more abundant than you'd think, but if that's not your thing, there's a little color below as well, especially in the handbags. There's even some white, even though I am objectively too messy to be a person who wears white. I can dream, right?

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I love a flat sandal, I love a black sandal, I love a strappy sandal. Since these tie in the back instead of buckle or snap, it'll also be way easier to adjust them perfectly.

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A couple weeks ago, I walked several blocks behind a girl carrying one of these, and it was so sleek and beautiful in person.

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I've loved this smaller version of the Simple Tote since it made its debut, and this fun little leopard version is my favorite one yet.

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I love bag charms but have never bought one; these dino charms from Coach are so cool and intricate that I might take the plunge.

I never thought a flat bag would appeal to me. After all, structure and interesting details are both literally and figuratively what give an accessory depth. But after lugging one heavy bag after another dangling with silly nonsense, I found myself seeking a sleek bag that packs well, is easy to store, and won’t cause my shoulders to slump in awkward discomfort for the summer. Conveniently enough, Guillaume Henry had exactly the same idea in mind. His latest design for the House ofNina Ricci, the Irrisor tote, is about as simple and clean as a bag can get. And lightweight to boot. Elongated handles and shape with slightly curved edges, the classic tote gets a modern yet feminine update. In comparison to fur balls, eye balls, and monsters (all of which I still adore), this is a pleasantly sophisticated alternative. But is it practical? Mais, oui! I tested out all three sizes of Nina Ricci’s new shape and discovered endless possibilities for the most versatile tote of the season. Here’s how I’ll be carrying each size…

For Day
The lightweight medium size fits my iPhone and MacBook perfectly. It’s like a laptop sleeve with handles. There’s also an interior pocket so that my iPhone won’t get scratched banging on the MacBook (Yes, I think about these things). Dimensions: 12″ w x 15” h. From $850 and up here..

For Night
The small size just begs to be taken out on the town on casual summer nights when your crystal-embellished hard case clutch feels awkward. Walking into a party with a brightly colored flat bag swinging on your arm or shoulder shows that you’re cocktail savvy, a quality that gives you the ability to roam around with rosé and hors d’oeuvres in hand all night (both of which are essentials, of course). More about styling this bag in Part Deux this weekend. Dimensions: 10″ w x 13″ h. From $690 and up.

For Weekends or Travel
I love the large size! Thanks to a hidden gusset on the bottom that allows the bag to expand, this weekender holds everything you actually need without any of the bulk. I recently took it to the movies after a day by the pool; I had a change of clothes for my son, my trusty Hermés cashmere shawl (it’s always freezing indoors during the summer months), and multiple snacks – because I am Chinese and in case of emergency, never leave the house without enough food for two. Dimensions: 16” w x 15” h. From $1150 and up.

See more Nina Ricci Irrisor Bags at Barneys New York.

I have my laptop in the medium size day tote, can you tell? I went to lunch like this, excused myself to the ladies’ room to respond to an urgent issue that the iPhone could not handle, and no one was the wiser. In case you’re wondering, I am wearing Rosie Assoulin top, House of Holland jeans, and the London denim platform sandals from Michael Kors (sorry it’s sold out).

As girls, we have simple joys, simple pleasures – a lot of the things we love involve just a sip of our favorite drink, laying ‘round savoring an extra slice of dessert, or being alone with our thoughts in writing. Allow Kate Spade to capture that part of our lives with the Things We Love Bag Collection – graphic, whimsical pieces that are sure to keep you excited. Highly functional, the brand has not missed out on important elements (such as extra compartments and room for organization) vital to everyday life – for the girl who’s on top of her game, this collection is for you! If you’re looking to add more personality to your look, then this is it!

Constructed from only the most durable of bag materials, the collection was made to keep up with the demands of everyday use. Clean-up is also a breeze – since most of the materials used are non-absorbent, these pieces are wipeable and highly resistant to wear and tear. What a way to keep all your stuff secure!

Prices range from $78 USD to $198 USD. Get your very own piece from the Things We Love collection now via Kate Spade New York online boutique.

Unless you're brand new to Céline, you're well aware that the brand tends to show far more unusual and conceptual bags on its runways than the majority of what actually ends up getting stocked in stores. Instead of Luggage Totes and Trapeze Bags, Céline's Spring 2016 runway show was full of voluminous, pillowy leather satchels and hard-edged little hand totes with snap-on front compartments.

There was one gorgeous lavender crocodile Classic Box Bag, as though to remind consumers that the brand also makes bags that many of them enjoy buying. Personally, I would love to get my hands on one of the puffy, soft satchels, but only in the most literal sense; they look like they're made of the softest lambskin in the world, and I'd like to touch them.

Deflated slightly, I could see those bags having a certain amount of consumer appeal, but for the real handbag fireworks, we'll have to wait until Céline's Spring 2016 lookbook appears online. (As soon as it does, we'll bring you all the photos.)